Thanks to those who have commented so far. My mother had Parkinson's Disease and some related dementia. She always knew who I was, but she lost almost all function of her body. It's a horrible disease.

The sad case of dementia or Alzheimer's syndrome. I witnessed it with my grandmother, but I lived far away and only visited her twice during her five-year journey from articulate to welcome death. You have shared with us the intimate detail of watching your mother waste away in a painful way from what I gather. Hopefully, a breakthrough will help those with these problems so that they can live a full life up until their dying day.

Fortunately, my Mom, wracked with a number of debilitating problems that are taking their toll at 92, still has a strong will and her mind to deal with things like being nearly deaf. She calls me every Monday from a thousand miles away to talk with me on her TTY. She finds it too inconvenient for me to call her.

Ron

...I will never forget the saddest truths your poetry remembers so well. It's also followed by a smile that lingers in the love MOM quietly plants in your heart!

Very touching.

Michael D.

You gave a very good account of the deterioration of the flesh. I hope I will be able to not go through that. I'm preparing to go a different route.